Hi! I'm Sara, the lady silversmith behind Sara Hideko. I moved to the Navajo Nation reservation during the Summer of 2014 to begin working with the Navajo people as a college science instructor teaching microbiology and anatomy and physiology. After living here for several months I was introduced to Teddy Draper Jr, a highly respected jeweler and painter, and visited his studio to order a custom cuff bracelet. I continued to show up to visit Teddy and his wife Ophelia to see the pieces in various stages of construction and was secretly dying to learn. After continuing to visit long after my piece was completed, I asked if I could come learn how to make jewelry and to my surprise, they welcomed me into both the studio and their family. I am eternally grateful to Teddy and Ophie for their support and encouragement.

My middle name Hideko (pronounced he-da-ko) is my grandmother's Japanese name. As a child she told me it translated to 'sunshine' and this has stuck with me ever since. My heritage has greatly influenced my work and my designs are inspired both by native silversmithing and the modern aesthetics of the Japanese.

I am a trained molecular biologist and graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine with my PhD shortly after coming to the reservation. Molecular biologists need to be detail orientated and I have since translated this focus and attention to my jewelry making.

The jewelry I create is 100% handmade and each piece contains a little of me. I work hard to bring you high quality and long lasting pieces. Have an idea for a custom piece of jewelry? Let me know! I'd love to work with you.

Have questions about moving the reservation or where to visit in the 4 Corners? I'm happy to help.

To see works in progress and my latest creations, head over to Instagram and click Follow!